Residents are being urged to give wildlife the space it needs and to resist the urge to “rescue” animals that are simply enjoying the outdoors. Paws Haven NPC has appealed to members of the public to leave healthy geese, ducks, birds and other wildlife alone when they are spotted in parks, fields, gardens or other open spaces.

According to Paws Haven, being outdoors is exactly where wild animals belong, and their presence in public or residential areas does not necessarily mean that they are in distress or need human intervention.

The organisation says the public should observe wildlife from a distance and avoid chasing, catching or disturbing the animals.

Members of the community are only encouraged to contact Paws Haven or an appropriate wildlife organisation if an animal is injured, trapped, in immediate danger or clearly requires assistance.

“Wildlife doesn’t need to be rescued from the wild. Sometimes they just need us to leave them alone,” Paws Haven said.

The organisation hopes the appeal will help residents better understand that not every wild animal spotted in an unusual location is in need of help.

Allowing wildlife to move freely and behave naturally is often the best way the public can assist.

The message from Paws Haven is simple. Observe, keep your distance and let wildlife be wild.